Olaf ’s Favourite English. For pipe artist Olaf I had to create a nice and strong English mixture, as he prefers more solid blends for his cozy smoking den. Olaf says I am spot on with this blend after classic fashion. In addition to a sweet Virginia basis, Olaf‘s Favourite English contains 50 percent Cyprian Latakia, Perique as well as a good bit of Smyrna Oriental, Darkfired Leaf and English Black Cavendish. A blend in the spirit of traditional tobacco making, its individual components matched delicately and with love.

Olaf's is a powerhouse Latakia blend. The cut of the tobacco reminds me of the Murray's version of Nightcap. Although the blend could be compared to Nightcap, the perique in Olaf's offers more of a “pepper” quality verses the perique in Nightcap where it adds a “fruity” note. Latakia is the main player in this well made blend, but the presence of the other tobaccos show themselves well in a supporting role. There is a very slight sweetness to the blend too. The very first thing I noticed is the very high quality of leaf used in the blend. The pouch scent is of smoke and leather. The strength starts out as medium, but quickly moves to strong, however, it isn't overpowering. Lovers of full English blends will enjoy this complex English blend. I find Olaf's to share a lot of flavors in common with GL Pease's Lagonda. Those that aren't fans of Latakia forward blends, be forewarned, this blend most likely won't be for you. Those that fall into that category need not review it as a “Latakia bomb” as it would be an injustice to those that enjoy a heavy dose of Latakia in a blend that also offers complex flavors. Highly Recommended!

For lovers of a strong flavoured Latakia mixture that is beefed up by Perique (my guess is that "Cyprian" here is a typo) and other darkfired leaf, this is sure to deliver. An excellent English mixture in the tradition of Dunhill's Nightcap, but smokier, saltier.